There has been some mutterings in recent weeks about our plight and the future of Martin O'Neill as our manager, with some posts and comments about who could or should replace him. Now, this isn't an argument here but more and observation. Its a fine line between sacking a manager when all is lost and sticking by a good manager in a tough time and many a time we have got it wrong both times. IMO, we have definitely had a poor season versus expectation but then as we go into the years final fixture on Saturday, we can do so with renewed optimism and vigour again. We now have 22 points after 19 games (exactly half way) and replication of this would see 44 points and certain safety. We have a transfer window to bring in maybe 1, 2 or even 3 new faces and build on the last 6 or 7 weeks far better performances since the Everton game. So, although the season hasn't gone as we would have wanted, we are pretty tight at the back and we haven't always got what we deserve from games and although we have only scored 20 goals this season, which is our problem, the fact is we have only conceded only 24. If you take the fact we conceded 13 goals in 4 games (Utd, City, WBA and Chelsea), we have only leaked 11 in the other 15 games, this despite not having a settled back 5 all season. I think that's pretty good personally. Our early problems were a lack of goals other than the fantastic Steven Fletcher but more so in recent weeks we have been a real threat from all over the park and have scored 12 goals (1 og) between the team now. We actually look a threat from the flanks and through the middle now as well and a goal a game can be improved of course now we are creating much more and attacking as a unit again. We lost momentum from the Arsenal game with the Reading game cancelled the opening 7 or 8 fixtures became a catch up exercise which we flunked at imo. The following 10 or 11 games we got back on track and go into 2013 on the front foot again and from a mid table position. We are also starting to see individual improvement from the likes of McClean and Johnson and especially Sessegnon who was sublime today in that free attacking role behind Fletcher. Man City were carved open with his movement and skills time after time and with better finishing and a little more composure, we may have won this by more than 1 goal. Our problem is consistency and that's an area that will concern the manager. He knows we are not good enough and lack pace in the middle of the park and are very lightweight up front if Fletcher were injured and will IMO be working to rectify that but getting on his back and castigating him for a team not of his making was foolish at best and plain stupid at worst. So, I guess my point is all the talk about replacing the manager should have completely disappeared now hopefully and we can all get back to supporting MON and letting him build his own team in the next few years. We have a bloody great manager for the first time in maybe 40 or 50 years so lets sit back and watch him build his and our future in the coming seasons and reap the rewards of sticking by the boss through thick and thin. He is a cool customer and always in control. He shows his emotions for sure but he always remains so calm and driven. He loves this club and he is determined to bring success for us fans. After all, he quite literally IS ONE OF US. I'm biased I know and he was my overwhelming first choice for the past 15 years but I can see his plan and his goal and hopefully most of the doubters will too now. He will leave this club in a far, far better place than he found it, when ever he does leaves and I am as convinced about that tonight as I ever have been. I make no apologies for that support and belief. Bring on the Spuds and 2013. Who knows what it will bring us but it wont be boring and it wont be easy but as a Sunderland fan of some 38 seasons, it wont be worse than some of the ****e I've endured since 1975 and thats a fact you can all believe. FTM & KTF
There were times when I was on the line with MON without actually crossing it, but I did, just about, remain on-side. Today was an insight into what we can do, City struggled badly when we moved the ball fast, and despite their possesion and goals, we ALWAYS looked a threat. They simply didn't. Shame that we will be missing Danny Boy against an excellent Spurs side on Saturday, we must retain Killa & play Gardner RB to compensate. Sessegnon is just a stunning talent, and when it goes for him, like today, regardless of who he's against he is going to wreak havoc. The confidence that has been slowly coming into the team was evident in Seb, the main lad who's been suffering, who was superb today, Cuellar looked more stable with Killa there, it's just all looking good, what a difference 4 games makes! ****ing fabulous end to the year if we get a point or 3 on Saturday.
I agree with you Cest as you know. But I do understand the frustration of some fans, as there have been times when I thought to myself haway Marty change it you must see it isn't working. At other times it was clearly the players not doing their jobs. What was the difference today? Similar formation, but a different team ethic. IMHO they are starting to play for the shirt, every ****ing one of them played their socks off. I keep saying this **** but it's true, I have watched some ****e in my time but cheered the lads off for effort. When you get the same effort from better players you get your rewards. Onwards and upwards.
Football is a funny old game though. Stoke have been on a 9 game none loosing streak and everyone is raving about them, we have had a very indifferent season so far, like i said in another post, reading and southampton, i wasnt getting over excited about (today is different but its only 1 game so my feet are still firmly on the ground) but we are only 6 points behind stoke. I do not think we will go down at all, but top 10 for me is still a long way off (not saying its impossible just very very hard even if we are only 3 points off it)
Lads, MoN has a game plan. He sticks to it and rather than change the system he has faith in he will instead simply change the personnel to accommodate it and I think the players are buying into it now as they have to. They now know that if they don't they will be shipped out and replaced and lets face it, most of these lads wont be moving upwards but down the league and even out of it for some. Thus I think the penny is dropping at last this season and the performances over the last 6 - 8 weeks show that imo, culminating in a great win today and above all a super performance. Mons, on a side note, I have had many doubts over Sessegnon and with much justification IMO but today he shove those doubts back down my throat with a simply breathtaking display that City couldn't live with but, and its a massive but, he must be much more consistent if he is going to become a top, top player for us or anyone for that matter. That said, I could **** for a fortnight over that performance today and cant wait for the footy tonight to watch it all again.
We could go top 10 on Saturday Steve so its the opposite of a long way off IMO, its right there in front of us and if we want it enough and can recruit 2 or 3 new faces in the next 3 or 4 weeks, I reckon a real target is 10th or upwards? I have steadfastly thought top 10 since August and see no reasons why not.
****ing hell cest, that was an epic. How long did it take you to write that! Anyway, have to agree with pretty much what's been written by yourself and the posts that followed. Never really doubted o'neil although did waver at points in my head. Never would have voiced that though. The only thing I worry about a little is that on the future I would like to see some the academy lads brought in which I don't believe o'neil has a track record of doing. Hope that someone can clarify this though
Cest, Sess has been performing for weeks, it's more a case of the rest of the team catching up and making it easier for him to make the right choice with the ball, Seb the prime example , almost back from the dead today, Sess had options, and as such was a weapon. The lad is utterly superb, by far and away the best natural footballr at the club, and as the team improves around him, his influence will come even more to the fore. We'e ending the year on a real buzz, and thank **** for that.
We could be 10th on Saturday and if we win we probably will be, its just saying there thats the problem for me. even though we beat Man City today the next 2 games will be hard going but Norwich have Man City. Swansea away to Fulham, Liverpool away to QPR so probably 11th then. You always have to rely on others to help you unless you win every game, top 10 would be great but its a long road yet imho.
Check my previous posts/replies etc I did keep the faith and was optimistic enough to suggest that we could reach 8th quite easily and with a return to the form we know were capable of even 6th was not out of the question. I know we are all a bit euphoric at the mo but we got it right today. Defence awesome, midfield 100% commitment and the forward line holding the ball well and attacking with some nice 1 2s and crosses. A bit more composure and our win could have been more convincing. Todays performance must be the benchmark for the rest of the season.
Imagine if we were to have a run now akin to the one last year from this time, when we won 9 in 11, we'd be right up the top 6's arse. Could happen, probably won't but who knows??
One of the reasons we looked good today is that Man City took us lightly. They did not mark Sess' they had one on Mcclean and one on Johnson. There holding midfielder was absent and Sess' Johnson, Mcclean and Fletcher were given loads of space and room. City forgot to defend. Hence Sess, Johnson and Mcclean were allowed space and when given space they showed what they can do. Johnson tore Zabaletta a new arsehole. Mcclean wasn't doubled up on and they just didn't mark sess. Don't get me wrong at times sess was unplayable. However when we revert to playing teams who sit back and mark our threats this is when we struggle. Now I'm over the moon at our win. Sadly working tomorrow so can't get pissed. I'm not detracting from our game because we stopped everything City had to offer. They did not miss sitters when they breached a stalwart defence the ever improving mingolet stopped them. City looked good and at times brilliant but then at times we too looked brilliant. It was breathtaking to watch. Sadly teams don't come to the sol and attack. They come and defend and in my opinion Marty has yet to crack that. We do seem to have turned a corner. I feel Tottenham will come and have a go and we could (with the same effort as today) send them packing too. Now I have stuck with MON. Over the last week I've been critical of team selection but hopefully now MON will be able to build HIS team. On a side note I'm going to praise Larrson as he has had a lot of stick on here but he was immense today as was well everyone.
Speaking of January, 3 wins in 4 and we're a lot more attractive to possible new arrivals too. Amazing how a few wins can change the whole complexion of the season, potentially at least.
January we need Rose,someone to partner Fletcher because MON is not playing Wickham or Saha and I will be happy with that
Dont forget though Steve, we have been pretty average for 50% of the season and yet we could go 10th on Saturday. Imagine if we improve and add some consistency to our play AND add 2 or 3 new faces in key positions in the next couple of weeks? Next 10 games Steve. Spurs (h) Liverpool (a) West Ham (h) Wigan (a) Swansea (h) Reading (a) Arsenal (h) WBA (a) Fulham (h) QPR (a) Some real chances to build on our newly found confidence and momentum in there mate, especially if we can add to the squad/team.
